The Philadelphia 76ers' bid for an NBA Cup win has taken a devastating hit after they lost to the Detroit Pistons in a game that had all the makings of a comfortable victory. The Sixers, who were without their top players Joel Embiid and Paul George due to injuries, should have been the favourites against a depleted Pistons team. However, it was the opposite - the Pistons' five-man starting lineup earned a combined $32.9 million in 2025-26, dwarfing the salary of Tyrese Maxey this season.
The game started off with promising performances from both teams. The Pistons had a brilliant third quarter to surge into the lead, but then went cold in the fourth quarter. That's when the Sixers' struggles became all too apparent. They allowed the Pistons to control the physicality of the game in the first half before finally becoming aggressive on both ends.
Domonic Barlow made his highly anticipated return after a prolonged absence with an elbow laceration, playing six minutes and change before being substituted out. He showed why he's considered a tremendous asset despite wearing a brace that kept his arm straight due to the wound.
Coach Nick Nurse experimented with a different starting five in the second half - Maxey, Edgecombe, Grimes, Barlow, and Drummond - which proved to be a success. They played some of their best basketball all season, causing chaos defensively while playing with determination on the offensive end.
Barlow started the second half and looked like himself immediately. He assisted Quentin Grimes in scoring, blocked a shot and connected from beyond the arc again. However, it remains to be seen what his role will look like with Trendon Watford fully integrated and George eventually back in the fold.
The Sixers' struggles are evident now - they're looking at an uphill battle for the NBA Cup Knockout Rounds.
The game started off with promising performances from both teams. The Pistons had a brilliant third quarter to surge into the lead, but then went cold in the fourth quarter. That's when the Sixers' struggles became all too apparent. They allowed the Pistons to control the physicality of the game in the first half before finally becoming aggressive on both ends.
Domonic Barlow made his highly anticipated return after a prolonged absence with an elbow laceration, playing six minutes and change before being substituted out. He showed why he's considered a tremendous asset despite wearing a brace that kept his arm straight due to the wound.
Coach Nick Nurse experimented with a different starting five in the second half - Maxey, Edgecombe, Grimes, Barlow, and Drummond - which proved to be a success. They played some of their best basketball all season, causing chaos defensively while playing with determination on the offensive end.
Barlow started the second half and looked like himself immediately. He assisted Quentin Grimes in scoring, blocked a shot and connected from beyond the arc again. However, it remains to be seen what his role will look like with Trendon Watford fully integrated and George eventually back in the fold.
The Sixers' struggles are evident now - they're looking at an uphill battle for the NBA Cup Knockout Rounds.
. The Pistons just spent like $33 million on their starting five and it backfired...big time 
. Meanwhile, Tyrese Maxey is out there playing his heart out but he can barely scrape together a fraction of that in salary 
. And what's with all these injuries? Joel Embiid and Paul George out for the season already? That's just ridiculous 
. I mean, I guess you gotta pay top dollar to get top talent, but does it always have to be this way? 
they were really expected to win this game but i guess all their injuries caught up with them... it's like they got outplayed and didn't have enough firepower 
on the court. the pistons' starting lineup is crazy expensive though $32.9m combined is wild 
I'm kinda hoping Domonic Barlow gets more playing time tho he looked so good in his 6 minutes of play 
coach nick nurse should keep experimenting with different lineups maybe they can find a winning formula 
. barlow came back and showed why he's so hyped but what's the plan now with watford in the mix? coach nick nurse should try out some new lineups ASAP they need to shake things up or else they'll get eliminated from the cup early 
. it's like watching a different game when maxey, edgecombe, and grimes are all playing together...but we need to see them bring their A-game consistently 
. this season is shaping up to be a letdown for sixers fans 
And can't wait to see how Domonic Barlow's return plays out - he looked like himself for a brief moment, but now we just have to see what the coach decides to do with him... 
but now i'm not sure what to expect. losing joel embiid and paul george is a huge blow, even if maxey has been stepping up his game. that starting lineup for detroit tho... $32.9 million for five guys? wild 
. Domonic Barlow's the real MVP right now 
I'm literally shaking my head over here! The 76ers were so close to taking it easy with a depleted Pistons team and then...BOOM 
They just couldn't capitalize on their chances, especially without Joel Embiid and Paul George. And Domonic Barlow's return was super promising 
but he gotta fight for his spot with Trendon Watford coming back into the mix 
in the second half, though! I'm rooting for them to turn it around 
? I mean, come on, those guys were supposed to be the favorites with or without their top players injured! 
Tyrese Maxey's salary is a joke compared to that starting lineup 
. The Sixers need to figure out who can step up and fill the void if Embiid and George aren't on the court